UK to privatize parts of NHS?

[Pangloss]

I've only heard little bits and pieces so I was hoping some of our UK friends could fill us in. Here's a brief example:

 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129112347

 

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron has proposed some of the most sweeping changes to the country's National Health Service in its history. The government says the changes are designed to give doctors more say in running the NHS, and patients more freedom of choice. But critics point out that NHS doctors will be allowed to take more private patients, and some hospitals will be allowed to opt out of the NHS entirely -- raising the possibility that U.S. HMOs might come in to fill the vacuum.

 

One thing I haven't heard yet is what the Liberal Democrats think, since as I understand it Conservatives can't hold power without their cooperation. (Or am I behind the times on this?)

[Pangloss]

Time Magazine ran an interesting piece today on "transforming Britain". I've been wondering what's happening over there with the new regime in place, and this article was informative, but of course it's early yet.

 

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2011562,00.html